
Melissa Ellin
ReporterMelissa Ellin was a reporter at WGLT and a Report for America corps member, focused on mental health coverage. Melissa joined WGLT in 2023 and left in April 2025.
Melissa graduated from Boston University. She previously reported for Boston.com and Metro West Daily News.
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None of the higher education institutions in Bloomington-Normal report having overdoses on campus, but health officials still encourage students to take advantage of prevention training and be prepared.
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Normal Police were called to a local massage spa Wednesday and reportedly found a victim of human trafficking.
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Primary care is where people go when they have symptoms of an unknown illness or for an annual physical. Providers in Bloomington-Normal want to make sure people know their main doctor can also provide mental health support.
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Mental health providers in Central Illinois offering ketamine say it has changed patients' lives for the better. Still, only a handful of clinics offer the service, and additional barriers can prevent access for people who need the treatment most.
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Pawfficer Korg is the second in a therapy program started by Illinois State University Police in 2019. It's designed to spread comfort and calm across the community while making police less intimidating to the masses.
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Using lead-based paint has been outlawed for decades, but many homes in the state — and in McLean County — were built prior to that, contributing to Illinois being a leading state in lead exposure nationwide.
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YWCA Stepping Stones started a fundraising campaign in 2023. They made more than initially anticipated and expect to finish renovations this summer.
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Two incumbents are headed back to the Heartland Community College Board of Trustees, along with one newcomer, following Tuesday's election.
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Mayor Chris Koos of Normal has won a 6th full term in office, defeating challengers Kathleen Lorenz and Chemberly Harris.
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Over the past several years, individuals and groups have expressed dissatisfaction with transparency related to a public fund for mental health and public safety. WGLT dove into the data to see exactly how money has been spent and why there are $19 million in reserves.